Matt Gentry | The Roanoke Times

Virginia Tech's Ryan Williams runs through the Alabama defense in the second quarter of the Hokies' game against Alabama last Saturday at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.

OFFENSE: EDGE HOKIES

TB Darius Marshall, who has run for 1,726 yards in his first two years, returns after being suspended last week. MU's rebuilt line had a tough time vs. Southern Illinois, allowing eight TFL, including a pair of sacks. QB Brian Anderson, a pocket thrower, was 27-for-36 passing for 316 yards vs. SIU. His primary targets are TE Cody Slate and WR Chuck Walker, who had 10 catches in the opener. VT needs a confidence builder coming off its anemic showing vs. Alabama.

DEFENSE: EDGE HOKIES

DE Albert McClellan, who has 31 TFL and 18 sacks in his career, and LB Mario Harvey, who had 107 tackles spearhead a decent MU front seven that blitzes a lot. VT QB Tyrod Taylor should be able to pick on the Herd's sophomore CBs. Bud Foster's bunch should have its way with MU's O-line.

SPECIAL TEAMS: EDGE HOKIES

MU coach Mark Snyder came to Blacksburg a dozen years ago to study Frank Beamer's specialty units. He took what he learned back to Minnesota and later to Ohio State, so he has an idea what he's running into. MU struggled on kickoffs in the opener, booting two kicks out of bounds. Marshall has averaged 28 yards on KO returns the past two years. VT turned the ball over twice on returns vs. 'Bama. VT has the better punter and kicker.

INTANGIBLES: EDGE HOKIES

VT has taken the past five meetings in the series, including 47-21 and 41-14 routs in Lane Stadium in 2002 and '05. MU is 1-11 vs. Top 25-ranked foes since 1999. VT has won 30 straight games vs. nonconference opponents at home since losing to Miami (Ohio) in 1997. VT is 20-2 under Beamer in home openers, the last loss coming against Boston College in 1995. With Nebraska and Miami the next two Saturdays, the Hokies can get caught napping.

PREDICTION: Virginia Tech 30, Marshall 13